What is the Atkins Diet?

The Atkins diet is a low carbohydrate diet that significantly helps losing the body weight in a short period of time. It limits the intake of sugar and starch-based foods while encourages higher consumption of meat and dairy foods. In other words, the diet is based on consuming less carbohydrate and more protein and fat.

Regular adherence to the Atkins diet substantially contributes to developing the ketosis condition in the body. The ketosis refers to decomposing fats into fatty acids and ketones bodies which are used as the energy source in the body. Proteins and fats are digested slowly (as opposed to carbohydrates). This facilitates less feeling of compulsion to eat excessive foods.

As mentioned above, the Atkins Diet is a suitable way to lose weight in a short period of time. The optimum weight loss is achievable if the designed instructions of the diet is strictly adhered to. Over-exercise is usually required to maintain the desired weight as the body is prone to regain weight by consuming additional carbohydrate after the diet. Currently, there are a wide range of low Carbohydrate products in the market. These include "Keto Pasta Shells", "Nutlettes Cereals", "Mama Lupe’s low-carb Tortillas", "Pure De-Lite Low Carb Sugar Free", "Atkins Morning Start Breakfast Bars" and "Bella Vita Low Carb Pasta Sauces".

It should be remembered that the excessive/constant meat consumption can induce colon cancer and osteoporosis. High-protein diet can also contribute to chronic kidney disorders due to the severe pressure on the kidney. Furthermore, frequent ingestion of high cholesterol and fat can develop cardiovascular disease.

Atkins diet primarily offers some advantages comprising quick weight loss, delayed feeling of hunger and less tiredness (attributed to the lower intake of carbohydrates). However, the dieters should consult their physicians before and during the diet to ensure their health is not jeopardised by the potential risk factors. It also ensures that the dieters are not experiencing the deficiency of nutrients, essential vitamins and minerals.